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The Deverells #2
Storm
He's nice.He's the eldest son of Victorian England's most notorious rogue, but Storm Deverell just wants to keep life simple. Unlike the other members of his wild tribe, he steers clear of scandal and leads an honest, hard-working existence on a Cornish farm. Of course, it hasn't always been that way. In the days of youthful rebellion, that hot Deverell temper earned Storm a bad reputation. But now he keeps his anger tamed so well nobody would ever know it's still there. All things considered, Storm has everything he wants, whenever he wants it, in his uncomplicated world. And even if life is a little quiet sometimes, at least it's predictable.Until a strange woman arrives to shatter his unchallenged bachelor tranquility.Stubborn, proudly independent and apparently immune to his infamous charm, Katherine Kelly is a disruption, a sharp-tongued, haughty madam, and the last thing he needs moving in as his neighbor.One touch of her smooth hands tells him she knows nothing about managing a farm. One glance at her rose-embroidered stockings warns him she'll cause a commotion. Good thing he's not looking for trouble these days. She's naughty.Escaping a seedy, gas-lit world of deception and villainy with a spinet full of stolen banknotes and snuff boxes, Kate is seeking a new beginning and a better future for her son. She's come a long way to find sanctuary and fresh air, so that frustratingly calm, self-satisfied, straight-talking farmer in the next valley will not spoil it for her. Clearly he's ruled the roost around here far too long, a local legend in his own mind. So what if Deverell believes a woman can't survive without a man? Surviving is something this single mother knows how to do. One touch of his rough hands tells her he's dangerous. One glance into his blue eyes warns her he'll be a distraction.Good thing she's not looking for trouble these days.But these two headstrong, accidental neighbors will soon learn that trouble can find them without being sought. Because what's "nice" can also be naughty, and what's naughty.... is usually a Deverell.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 30, 2015
21 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
September 12, 2020
3.5 stars. Well this was a quick read. I fell in love with the quirky and interesting Deverell family in Book #1, True Story, and I really liked the character of Storm, True's eldest son.
Storm is a calm, steady farmer who just loves his life, working on his Cornwall farm. Kate is very different, moving to Cornwall to escape the seedier side of life in London, wanting a new beginning for herself and her young son.
I enjoyed the read. The plot was a little thin in parts, and Kate's son was a little too precocious for a seven-year-old at times, IMO. But I was captivated by the lovely Storm, and I liked the glimpses of some of the other Deverells. I liked
I also enjoyed the setting and characters far away from the cliches of many typical HRs that are overly obsessed with dukes!
I will continue with this series. Raven's book is next - True's only daughter amongst all of his many sons.
Storm is a calm, steady farmer who just loves his life, working on his Cornwall farm. Kate is very different, moving to Cornwall to escape the seedier side of life in London, wanting a new beginning for herself and her young son.
I enjoyed the read. The plot was a little thin in parts, and Kate's son was a little too precocious for a seven-year-old at times, IMO. But I was captivated by the lovely Storm, and I liked the glimpses of some of the other Deverells. I liked
I also enjoyed the setting and characters far away from the cliches of many typical HRs that are overly obsessed with dukes!
I will continue with this series. Raven's book is next - True's only daughter amongst all of his many sons.
October 4, 2015
The book is the second installment of the Deverells and features Storm, the oldest "cub" of True Deverell, and Katherine Kelly, a woman with a murky past who left London for the Cornish coast to provide a new life, a new beginning for her and her six year old son. I loved True Story, but this story left me with mixed feelings. I liked the main characters: steadfast, calm, handsome Storm and strong, fierce Katherine or, as Storm put it: "Like the kitten, this woman preferred the world to see her as a tigress. It was all about survival of course, a natural instinct to appear larger than one really was and keep predators at bay". Their romance was good. But where the True Story sparkled, the Storm felt flat. The plot was not as engaging either and even tedious in parts if not for the last third of the story. The language and behavior didn't ring true of the times. But I was happy the story provided something different. It featured "common folks" as oppose to all these ladies and lords. And I was glad to see True and Olivia again!
October 1, 2015
In spite of his tempestuous name, Storm is all that is calm strength and reason. A charming hero, a strong-willed and completely wonderful heroine, delightful dialogue and appearances from True and Olivia (the protagonists of the book 1) make for another delicious installment of Jayne Fresina's Deverell family saga. So, I wonder who will be next...?
May 19, 2023
“Sometimes a person never knew how strong they could be until they found themselves in a desperate situation.”
<><> Story Overview <><>
The book blurb explains it fairly well.A few things didn't make sense (like the h described as a haughty madam or naughty). Also, Kate was supposed to be his housekeeper. She ended up not taking that position and became his neighbor.
Kate was in a bad situation and wanted a better life for her and her six year old son. So she finds herself in Cornwall. She meets Storm and they get off to a bad start because of Kate’s pride. Most of the book is Kate stubbornly trying to do everything on her own without accepting Storm’s offer of help.
<><> Characters <><>
Hero: Storm Deverell; Age: mid to late 20’s, I think
* The following words/phrases were used to describe Hero: prefers the country over the city, honest, hard working, farmer, eldest son of the richest, self-made man in the country, lives a simple life, says what’s on his mind, content, easy going, always has a smile, trusting, cheerful, calm, has a tender spot for strays, uncomplicated, expects the best of people
Heroine: Katherine (Kate) Kelly; Age: 24;
* The following words/phrases were used to describe Heroine: single mom (has a six year old son named Flynn), formerly known as Kitty Blue - a singer at The Music Box supper club in London (not a good place), trapped, impatient, hot-tempered, eager for a fresh beginning, too proud, has a sharp tongue, full of spit and fire, prickly, resilient, doesn't let obstacles stand in her way, stubbornly independent, expects the worst in people
<><> A Few Thoughts <><>
^^ ~ the dialogue was a little cumbersome at times. It didn’t always flow well.
^^ ~ the six year old was the best part of the book. I liked the scenes he was in
^^ ~ kate - ugh. She drove me crazy sometimes because of her pride. Accepting a genuine offer of help doesn't make someone weak. She irritated me when her foolish pride led to stupid decisions.
^^ ~ The six year old son was the voice of reason
"How can we have a fresh beginnin', if you're still looking at everythin' as if it's the same, Ma? It won't be new and better, will it, if you don't let it be?"
^^ ~ I felt like this was kind of going along at a snails pace, and then all of a sudden a murder happened and it just seemed to quickly escalate into various different things. So the last 25% of the book had a different pace than the previous 75% and it felt a bit disconnected from a flow perspective,
<><> The Basics <><>
- Content Warning: murder (not on page)
- Setting: Cornwall 1844
- Do you need to read previous books in series?: I think it would be helpful to read the series in order. There are recurring characters from the previous book that appear in this one.
- POV: Dual POV
- Tropes: historical
- Hero likable? i liked him
- heroine likable? she grated on my nerves at times
- h virgin? No
- First time they kiss: 63%
- First time they sleep together: 97%
- Safe sex? No
- First time they say I Love You: 97%
- steamy? not really. One small descriptive bedroom scene at the end of the book
- Chemistry? meh
- OW/OM drama? Not really.
- H/h cheat? No
- Time apart? No
- Did I skip pages? No
- Big secrets? Kate reveals Flynn’s parentage at 63%. Storm learns about Kate’s position at the Music Box around 74%. Kate is not the one who tells Storm this secret
- Did I cry? No
- Did I laugh? No
- Did I swoon🥰? No
- Cliffhanger? No
- HEA? HFN.
- Epilogue? No
- Recommend? it was ok. Different from the typical historical Lords and Ladies characters
<><> Quotes <><>
"Come no closer, unkempt, shifty-eyed ruffian!"
“There was little time to enjoy the living when one's every breath was taken up by the requirements of survival.”
"I have a tendency to blurt out whatever I'm thinking, as it comes to me."
Kate stared. "I suggest you see a physician about that."
For a young woman, Mrs. Kelly, you're remarkably swift to think the worst of a man. Perhaps a physician can give you something for that."
"We both know where we stand. You can't tolerate the sight o' me— evidently the fact that I'm a Deverell will count against me, as usual — and I think you're a proud, prissy wench in line for a fall."
"Why would I take her anywhere? She's got a temper and a sarcastic tongue that can wound a man at twenty paces."
<><> Story Overview <><>
The book blurb explains it fairly well.A few things didn't make sense (like the h described as a haughty madam or naughty). Also, Kate was supposed to be his housekeeper. She ended up not taking that position and became his neighbor.
Kate was in a bad situation and wanted a better life for her and her six year old son. So she finds herself in Cornwall. She meets Storm and they get off to a bad start because of Kate’s pride. Most of the book is Kate stubbornly trying to do everything on her own without accepting Storm’s offer of help.
<><> Characters <><>
Hero: Storm Deverell; Age: mid to late 20’s, I think
* The following words/phrases were used to describe Hero: prefers the country over the city, honest, hard working, farmer, eldest son of the richest, self-made man in the country, lives a simple life, says what’s on his mind, content, easy going, always has a smile, trusting, cheerful, calm, has a tender spot for strays, uncomplicated, expects the best of people
Heroine: Katherine (Kate) Kelly; Age: 24;
* The following words/phrases were used to describe Heroine: single mom (has a six year old son named Flynn), formerly known as Kitty Blue - a singer at The Music Box supper club in London (not a good place), trapped, impatient, hot-tempered, eager for a fresh beginning, too proud, has a sharp tongue, full of spit and fire, prickly, resilient, doesn't let obstacles stand in her way, stubbornly independent, expects the worst in people
<><> A Few Thoughts <><>
^^ ~ the dialogue was a little cumbersome at times. It didn’t always flow well.
^^ ~ the six year old was the best part of the book. I liked the scenes he was in
^^ ~ kate - ugh. She drove me crazy sometimes because of her pride. Accepting a genuine offer of help doesn't make someone weak. She irritated me when her foolish pride led to stupid decisions.
^^ ~ The six year old son was the voice of reason
"How can we have a fresh beginnin', if you're still looking at everythin' as if it's the same, Ma? It won't be new and better, will it, if you don't let it be?"
^^ ~ I felt like this was kind of going along at a snails pace, and then all of a sudden a murder happened and it just seemed to quickly escalate into various different things. So the last 25% of the book had a different pace than the previous 75% and it felt a bit disconnected from a flow perspective,
<><> The Basics <><>
- Content Warning: murder (not on page)
- Setting: Cornwall 1844
- Do you need to read previous books in series?: I think it would be helpful to read the series in order. There are recurring characters from the previous book that appear in this one.
- POV: Dual POV
- Tropes: historical
- Hero likable? i liked him
- heroine likable? she grated on my nerves at times
- h virgin? No
- First time they kiss: 63%
- First time they sleep together: 97%
- Safe sex? No
- First time they say I Love You: 97%
- steamy? not really. One small descriptive bedroom scene at the end of the book
- Chemistry? meh
- OW/OM drama? Not really.
- H/h cheat? No
- Time apart? No
- Did I skip pages? No
- Big secrets? Kate reveals Flynn’s parentage at 63%. Storm learns about Kate’s position at the Music Box around 74%. Kate is not the one who tells Storm this secret
- Did I cry? No
- Did I laugh? No
- Did I swoon🥰? No
- Cliffhanger? No
- HEA? HFN.
- Epilogue? No
- Recommend? it was ok. Different from the typical historical Lords and Ladies characters
<><> Quotes <><>
"Come no closer, unkempt, shifty-eyed ruffian!"
“There was little time to enjoy the living when one's every breath was taken up by the requirements of survival.”
"I have a tendency to blurt out whatever I'm thinking, as it comes to me."
Kate stared. "I suggest you see a physician about that."
For a young woman, Mrs. Kelly, you're remarkably swift to think the worst of a man. Perhaps a physician can give you something for that."
"We both know where we stand. You can't tolerate the sight o' me— evidently the fact that I'm a Deverell will count against me, as usual — and I think you're a proud, prissy wench in line for a fall."
"Why would I take her anywhere? She's got a temper and a sarcastic tongue that can wound a man at twenty paces."
April 26, 2022
borrowed from K.U.
4.5 stars
After finishing "True Story", I wasn't really ready to say goodbye to the Deverell family so I picked up Storm's book. I'll admit, some of my motivation included a desire to spend a little more time with True and he did not disappoint. But I truly liked Storm and Kate's story, even if she was a bit prickly at the beginning. Another great offering from the talented Fresina.
4.5 stars
After finishing "True Story", I wasn't really ready to say goodbye to the Deverell family so I picked up Storm's book. I'll admit, some of my motivation included a desire to spend a little more time with True and he did not disappoint. But I truly liked Storm and Kate's story, even if she was a bit prickly at the beginning. Another great offering from the talented Fresina.
December 13, 2020
Great sequel to "True Story" featuring True Deverell's oldest son, Storm (the names are quite, quite terrible). Anyway, he runs into a new visitor to his hamlet who is trying to build her life for herself and her son.
I give Fresina props for good plotting, good dialogue and the ability to ratchet up the sexual tension, with very little actual sex in the novel. I went back and looked at it, and there's one actual love scene, fairly vaguely described, toward the end of the novel. Aside from that, there are a couple of kisses, but that's it.
The book does a good job of exploring Storm's family history and his hesitation to marry, what a capable farmer/landowner he is, and how he's always trying to help the underdog, sometimes to a fault.
Kate is a good heroine-- she has lots of gumption and moxie to make up for how limited her opportunities and resources are. Her son (whose name now escapes me) is written well: not too cutesy, not too bratty. Seems like your average six-year old, but he has actually serves a purpose in the plot, moving the story forward.
The book has an interesting pair of villains, and that keeps the plot moving.
Four stars for this lovely romance.
I give Fresina props for good plotting, good dialogue and the ability to ratchet up the sexual tension, with very little actual sex in the novel. I went back and looked at it, and there's one actual love scene, fairly vaguely described, toward the end of the novel. Aside from that, there are a couple of kisses, but that's it.
The book does a good job of exploring Storm's family history and his hesitation to marry, what a capable farmer/landowner he is, and how he's always trying to help the underdog, sometimes to a fault.
Kate is a good heroine-- she has lots of gumption and moxie to make up for how limited her opportunities and resources are. Her son (whose name now escapes me) is written well: not too cutesy, not too bratty. Seems like your average six-year old, but he has actually serves a purpose in the plot, moving the story forward.
The book has an interesting pair of villains, and that keeps the plot moving.
Four stars for this lovely romance.
December 26, 2020
Good characters
May 12, 2021
Just too short, loved it.
March 22, 2017
Disappoinring
I enjoyed True Story, but the "tempestuous" heroine of this is badtempered, unjust, mean to very one and consequently difficult to care about, and the hero is a fool to put up with her, as well as being a teeny bit boring.
I enjoyed True Story, but the "tempestuous" heroine of this is badtempered, unjust, mean to very one and consequently difficult to care about, and the hero is a fool to put up with her, as well as being a teeny bit boring.
October 7, 2015
Review originally posted at Roses Are Blue: http://bit.ly/1GvsrZO
Storm is the oldest son, though illegitimate, of True Deverell, and part of the scandalous Deverell family. He is content with his country living, his animals, and occasional female companionship. His peace is disturbed by a strange woman, who shows up on his land, trying to cross a stream, over a washed out bridge, and gets stuck. Storm tries to help, but the woman refuses, until it's clear she has no other options available. It turns out that a mutual friend, the late Reverend Cole, suggested that this part of Cornwall would be an ideal place for Kate to make a new start.
Katherine (Kate) Kelly has been used and abused, and wants to get away from London, the tawdry life she's been living, and make a new life for her and her son, Flynn. If she financed this trip with ill gotten gains, well, she tells herself, it's only what she's owed. And she certainly doesn't need a too handsome farmer flirting with her. So Storm's attempts at rescue and friendliness are rebuffed, and his compliments are thrown back in his face.
Kate has a major chip on her shoulder, and I have to admit that for the first half of the book, I really disliked her. A lot. I didn't like the way she kept everyone at a distance and was overly stern with her young son. She came off as cold and haughty. Eventually I came to see how badly she had been treated her whole life, and that she was only trying to protect herself and Flynn.
Eventually, the sexy and charming Storm wears down her resistance, and they begin to form a friendship which looks very promising. But as fate would have it, the past comes back to haunt Kate. Someone recognizes Kate from London, and tells Storm about her past life, with much exaggeration. As they struggle with this new wrinkle in their fledgling relationship, all hell breaks loose around them. Despite the ensuing chaos, the last part of this book was pure delight, and had a bit of everything There was mystery, murder, threats, villains, proposals, mayhem, and, yes, finally, romance. I enjoyed STORM very much, and look forward to the upcoming stories of the other members of the scandalous Deverell family.
Storm is the oldest son, though illegitimate, of True Deverell, and part of the scandalous Deverell family. He is content with his country living, his animals, and occasional female companionship. His peace is disturbed by a strange woman, who shows up on his land, trying to cross a stream, over a washed out bridge, and gets stuck. Storm tries to help, but the woman refuses, until it's clear she has no other options available. It turns out that a mutual friend, the late Reverend Cole, suggested that this part of Cornwall would be an ideal place for Kate to make a new start.
Katherine (Kate) Kelly has been used and abused, and wants to get away from London, the tawdry life she's been living, and make a new life for her and her son, Flynn. If she financed this trip with ill gotten gains, well, she tells herself, it's only what she's owed. And she certainly doesn't need a too handsome farmer flirting with her. So Storm's attempts at rescue and friendliness are rebuffed, and his compliments are thrown back in his face.
Kate has a major chip on her shoulder, and I have to admit that for the first half of the book, I really disliked her. A lot. I didn't like the way she kept everyone at a distance and was overly stern with her young son. She came off as cold and haughty. Eventually I came to see how badly she had been treated her whole life, and that she was only trying to protect herself and Flynn.
Eventually, the sexy and charming Storm wears down her resistance, and they begin to form a friendship which looks very promising. But as fate would have it, the past comes back to haunt Kate. Someone recognizes Kate from London, and tells Storm about her past life, with much exaggeration. As they struggle with this new wrinkle in their fledgling relationship, all hell breaks loose around them. Despite the ensuing chaos, the last part of this book was pure delight, and had a bit of everything There was mystery, murder, threats, villains, proposals, mayhem, and, yes, finally, romance. I enjoyed STORM very much, and look forward to the upcoming stories of the other members of the scandalous Deverell family.
July 1, 2019
3.5 stars
I think my problem with this book was that I thought Storm would be a lot like his dad, but he was completely different. Not bad, I mean he is good, sweet, generous...but I guess I expected him to have his father's impulsiveness and naughtiness but with Storm you got what you saw, kind and good.
Kate, is all sharp edges and finds it hard to trust anyone (completely understandable with her past) but their meetings lacked something...when he finally raised his voice in one of their fights, I was like Kate, finally you can shout, show a strong emotion!...or maybe again it was probably because I was expecting to love their interactions as much as I did True and Olivia's or wanted them to have their spark! I'm happy we got to still have True and Olivia in this book and his other siblings who look more adventerous than their older brother!
Still this family intrigues me and I will continue to read their saga.
I think my problem with this book was that I thought Storm would be a lot like his dad, but he was completely different. Not bad, I mean he is good, sweet, generous...but I guess I expected him to have his father's impulsiveness and naughtiness but with Storm you got what you saw, kind and good.
Kate, is all sharp edges and finds it hard to trust anyone (completely understandable with her past) but their meetings lacked something...when he finally raised his voice in one of their fights, I was like Kate, finally you can shout, show a strong emotion!...or maybe again it was probably because I was expecting to love their interactions as much as I did True and Olivia's or wanted them to have their spark! I'm happy we got to still have True and Olivia in this book and his other siblings who look more adventerous than their older brother!
Still this family intrigues me and I will continue to read their saga.
October 2, 2015
*I received this book in exchange for an honest review*
It's hard for me, this story. On one hand I loved it. It was nice to have a historical not revolve around English "ton". But, at times I felt the dialogue felt more "Western American" than English. Some of the details in the story didn't feel right in the time period. The book moved slow until about halfway through.
But, I loved Kate and Storm though. Both were hard headed, stubborn and strong characters. A single mom back then, well it just was refreshing and new. I did love the characters. I'm totally on the fence about this book. I loved it, but I didn't at the same time. There was just a lot that irked me about it, but so much I loved. I suppose it's one of those that you'll just have to read for yourself!
It's hard for me, this story. On one hand I loved it. It was nice to have a historical not revolve around English "ton". But, at times I felt the dialogue felt more "Western American" than English. Some of the details in the story didn't feel right in the time period. The book moved slow until about halfway through.
But, I loved Kate and Storm though. Both were hard headed, stubborn and strong characters. A single mom back then, well it just was refreshing and new. I did love the characters. I'm totally on the fence about this book. I loved it, but I didn't at the same time. There was just a lot that irked me about it, but so much I loved. I suppose it's one of those that you'll just have to read for yourself!
September 6, 2016
3.5 stars. I like that this author has a unique voice. The H and the young boy were the best parts. Unfortunately, there was a lot I didn't like in the book. One being the h. There's a difference between being stubborn and smart or being prideful and stupid. This h bordered on TSTL in the beginning for me and it took a long time for me to warm up to her. I also didn't like how everything neatly ties up at the end. It seemed a bit forced. To be honest, I'm not sure why it was even added and I feel like the H/h could easily have been blackmailed by some of the seedy secondary characters. I'm also tired of six year olds that talk like a 10 year old--even though the kid really did steal the show.
October 4, 2015
Lovely story about True's eldest son - a gentle soul (despite his name!)Really enjoyed the little nods to the first story and the opportunity to see Olivia and True again. It was also different to read a story with a single mother in this period. Usually kids in romances make me cringe, but I thought it was handled well in this case and not too over-board. Can't wait to find out who will be next. Definitely hooked.
August 11, 2016
Love these stories.
I read them a little out of order. This was the story of Storm's and Kate's love and it is very good. Good things revealed in this story too. Can't wait for the next one in this series right now I'm going to read Raven's story..
I read them a little out of order. This was the story of Storm's and Kate's love and it is very good. Good things revealed in this story too. Can't wait for the next one in this series right now I'm going to read Raven's story..
March 16, 2016
3,5 stars
December 8, 2016
Jayne Fresina continues to impress me with her stories. I really liked Kate and how she made a new life for herself. And Raven is next!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews